UT-OU rivalry takes to air

Posted: Friday, October 08, 1999

The Associated Press

AUSTIN (AP) - Changes are in the air for the century-old Oklahoma-Texas border rivalry.

Oklahoma (3-1, 1-0 Big 12) plays No. 23 Texas (4-2, 1-1) Saturday in Dallas in a matchup of the Big 12's two best passing teams. It's a far cry from the grind-it-out running attacks the schools used in their glory days.

"They like to wing it," Texas cornerback Ahmad Brooks said of the Sooners' new passing attack under first-year coach Bob Stoops.

All this throwing will test the confidence of both the defensive secondaries.

The Longhorns have made significant improvement in its pass defense, which was Texas' weakest link last year.

Texas gave up 220.9 yards per game and 20 touchdowns last season, which ranked the Longhorns 92nd in the nation. Going into Saturday's match-up, the Longhorns have the nation's sixth-best pass defense. They have held opponents to three passing touchdowns and 157.8 yards in the air.

Oklahoma ranks 48th in pass defense. The Sooners have given up seven touchdowns through the air.

Notre Dame was successful in shutting down Heupel last week in beating Oklahoma 34-30. Heupel was 22-of-40 for 168 yards and three touchdowns and one interception.

Texas coach Mack Brown said he believes his defense is prepared for Oklahoma's attack.

"We've seen teams that have thrown the ball quite a bit, and some that have passed more than I expected them to coming in," Brown said. "That doesn't mean we will play well on Saturday, but so far, our secondary and our defense overall has played pretty well against the pass."